Moab, Jeeps and Skinny Tires

Spring comes early to the desert canyons of southern Utah. Our northern mountains are white and skiers are praying for new powder, but our southern red rock is warming up nicely and wildflowers are starting to poke through the sand.

With daytime temperatures pushing into the mid-60s, even warmer on some days, this is a very pleasant time to hike, bike, ride horses and jeep our low-elevation trails.

The Moab area in particular will offer great recreational opportunities during the next few weeks as several major events come to town. Whether you are a participant or spectator, this is a fun time to be in Moab.

Skinny Tire Festival
March 2-5: The annual Moab Skinny Tire Festival is one of America's premier road bike events. Moab is best known for slickrock mountain biking, but during this festival cyclists will peddle along paved roads through classic canyon country scenery (Arches National Park, along the Colorado River and up to Dead Horse Point) to help support the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Canonlands Half Marathon & Five Mile Run
March 17: This will be the 32nd annual Canyonlands Half Marathon and Five Mile Run. It is Moab's most popular running event, with a route that follows Scenic Byway 128 along the mighty Colorado River.

Moab 12 Hour Adventure Race
March 24: In this AdventureXstream Series event, solo athletes as well as teams will mountain bike, trek, paddle, rappel and navigate a 50-60 mile course through the rugged country around Moab.

Annual Jeep Safari
March 31-April 8: The Easter Jeep Safari consists of trail rides, mostly day long trips, departing from Moab throughout the week. The official event is hosted by the Red Rock 4-Wheelers Inc. the local four wheel drive club of Moab. Participants provide their own four wheel drive vehicle, food and supplies.

The club officially runs approximately 9 different trails every day, with "Big Saturday" culminating in the largest ever single trail ride departure happening - around 30 groups line up in downtown Moab to head off in every direction for 30 different trails! Pre-registration for this event is recommended, although limited registration at the event may be possible.

The Jeep Safari is a huge event that draws thousand of participants and spectators. Campgrounds will be crowded and most motels will be booked solid. The town will be lively, even late into the night. If you want to be there, book early.

After the Jeep Safari things will settle down a bit - it will again be possible to find a motel room - but the opportunity for outdoor adventure will continue to increase. River trips will begin in earnest in May. Late May and early June usually bring high river flows, creating the most exciting whitewater trips through Cataract and other legendary canyons. Right now is the time to book river trips.

Moab will be a happening town during the next few weeks. Let us help you plan a trip to this area.

Check our events calendar for other activities.

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